Parachute Pavilion
Design for a Pavilion next to the existing Parachute tower on Coney Island, New York.
With respect the pavilion emphasizes the icon that the Parachute tower has become, but at the same time it is a whimsical organisation of the program. The relation of the tower and pavilion is where past and future come together. By reacting on the contour, fabric and colour of the existing tower the pavilion becomes a modern addition that creates
a balanced ensemble. Where the tower has become a static landmark, the pavilion will be a whimsical organisation of program with many different enjoyable characteristics.
The Exhibition space is sunk to a maximum, so it's roof creates a more fluent access to the boardwalk. The volume is perforated with round windows that allow a peek inside from three sides of the boardwalk. Directly connected to the exhibition space is the store; a visually open volume where you circle around on entering the boardwalk. By lifting the restaurant on top the store, the store can have a display all around with a comfortable canopy that creates a coolness in warm sunny days. The bar/restaurant has a broad panoramic view from rising above the boardwalk level, and becomes an all season attraction. The terrace is situated on the roof and is designed as an open air lounge with sofa's, chairs and puddle pool to enjoy the site on a relaxed manner with cocktails and martini's.
The restaurant and terrace can be accessed directly from the
boardwalk by circular elevators that react to the vocal "beam
me up scotty!".
Designteam: Ramon Knoester, Eckart Graeve
Location: Coney Island, New York, USA
Program: Pavilion; Shop, Exhibition space, Bar -
M2: 11075sqft = 1.029m2
Period: 2005
Awarded: 2nd prize Parachute Pavilion competition
Published: L'arca, 10.2005; Wettbewerbe Aktuell, 09.2005; New York
Times, 21.07.05